Meet the people behind the badges with Coffee with a Cop

2014-01-22T14:12:11Z2014-01-22T14:12:12Z

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) -

They keep our streets safe, protect us and are first responders at emergent situations. But, today Charleston Police officers provided unique opportunity for people in the community to get to know law enforcement with the inaugural event, "Coffee with a Cop."

Dozens of people came to Chick-Fil-A on Savannah Highway to grab a cup of Joe the men and women behind the badges and ask them any questions they might have about the department's work in Charleston neighborhoods.

The event is supported by the United States Department of Justice. It's a nationwide initiative and officers say it's about building relationships.

"A lot of times when people have encounters with law enforcement, it's either because they're in an emotional situation, in some sort of a crisis, or there's been some sort of a problem," Charleston Police Chief Gregory Mullen. "What this does is it gives people the opportunity to sit down and just kind of build trust and build relationships one cup of coffee at time."

Officials say they hope to host the event once a quarter, four times a year.